Latch assemblies and rail attachment for a pickup truck tonneau cover

ABSTRACT

A tonneau system for use with a bed of a pickup truck. The tonneau system includes a tonneau cover and latch assemblies to retain the tonneau cover to the bed of the truck. The cover is moveable between an unfolded positon where the cover encloses the bed and a folded position where the bed is uncovered. The latch assemblies can include latch bases that define discreet mounting positons for a latch handle assembly that employ retention members to retain the latch handle assembly in a particular mounting positon. Another latch assembly includes a latch base having an endless belt to positon the latch handle assembly. A rail attachment is also provided to mount to the bed and provide an anchor point for keep in to tonneau cover engage over the bed.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.17/598,025, filed Sep. 24, 2021, which is a national phase applicationof PCT/US2020/024737, filed Sep. 25, 2020, which claims priority to U.S.provisional application No. 62/823,316, filed Mar. 25, 2019, the entirecontents of which is herein incorporated by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention generally relates to tonneau covers. Moreparticular, the present invention relates to latch assemblies and railsof tonneau covers used in connection with pickup trucks, and still moreparticularly for covering the cargo box of such trucks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Tonneau covers are used to cover the cargo boxes or beds of pickuptrucks (hereafter just “trucks”) for aesthetics and to protect thecontents in the bed, and the bed itself, from view, environmentalfactors, such as rain, dirt, snow and debris. Such systems also operateto retain the contents of the cargo box therein.

While various styles of tonneau covers exist, one of today's mostpopular styles is a foldable tonneau cover. A foldable tonneau cover isdesirable in that when not required to cover the bed of the truck, thetonneau cover may be folded toward the rear of the cab of the truck,leaving at least a portion of the bed open and uncovered.

Foldable tonneau covers themselves come in soft fold tonneau covers andhard fold tonneau covers. Soft fold tonneau covers employ a foldableframe having typically three or more sections defined by side framemembers and transverse frame members. Additional transverse members,sometimes referred to as cross bows, may be provided between thetransverse frame members. A cover or tarp of a flexible material isretained over the entire foldable frame. The sections of the frame areconnected by hinge systems that allow the sections to fold as notedabove. When being folded, generally, the rearmost section of the tonneaucover is folded forwardly toward the cab and on top of the next rearmostsection of the tonneau cover. These two sections are then foldedforwardly together onto the next rear most section of the tonneau cover.This may then be continued until all sections of the tonneau cover arefolded one on top of one another forming a stack of tonneau coversections adjacent to the passenger cabin or cab of the truck. In thisinstance, the section of the tonneau cover located closest to the cabforms the bottom of the stack.

In a hard fold tonneau cover, typically include three or more rigidpanel sections. The panel sections include upper and lower rigid skinsbetween which a rigid core is provided. Opposing sides are defined byside frame members and front and rear ends of the panel sections aredefined by transverse frame members. Cross bows may also be provided inthe panel sections between the transverse frame members. The panelsections are interconnected by hinge systems that allow them to fold inthe generally the same manner as the previously described soft foldtonneau covers. Accordingly, the panels sections can be foldedforwardly, one a top another, until forming a stack adjacent to rear ofthe cab of the truck.

In order to retain the tonneau covers on the bed of the truck, thetonneau cover includes latches, typically, but not necessarily, locatedadjacent the four corners of the tonneau cover. One common type of latchis an over center cam lock latch that hooks onto a downwardly projectingflange of the sidewall of the bed of the truck. This latch utilizes ahandle that cooperates with a cam surface to cause a clamp jaw to clamponto the flange of the sidewall. Another common type of latch is what isoften referred to as a screwdriver latch. With this type of latch, ahandle, resembling a screwdriver handle, is threadably engaged with ashaft extending through the handle and rotation of the handle relativeto the shaft causes a clamp jaw to clamp onto the flange of thesidewall.

Other styles of tonneau covers include roll-up tonneau covers and singlesection tonneau covers. With the former, the cover can be rolled up,starting adjacent to the tailgate, to open the bed of the truck. With asingle section tonneau cover, the tonneau cover cannot fold and istypically pivotally mounted near the passenger cabin of the truck andcan be lifted at the tailgate to allow for access into the bed of thetruck. Single panel tonneau covers still employ lateral frame membersand or cross bows and require a means to secure the tonneau cover to thebed of the truck.

Different trucks have different sized beds and different sized sidewallsthat define their beds. Accordingly, to allow for a particular size oftonneau cover to be used with different trucks, while still beingproperly retained over the bed of the truck, the location at a latchextends from a section of the tonneau cover to may need to be differentfrom installation to another. In other words, the position of attachmentof the latch to the tonneau cover section, relative to side edge of thetonneau cover section, may need to different for different trucks.

While current latches allow for variability in the positioning of thelatch relative to the tonneau cover section, such variability is oftennot stable or conveniently achieved, and often storage of the latchduring folding of the tonneau cover is cumbersome or impracticalrequiring removal of the latch.

SUMMARY

In overcoming the enumerated drawbacks and other limitations of therelated art, the present invention provides a tonneau system for usewith a bed of a pickup truck.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, the tonneau systemincludes a tonneau cover having at least two tonneau sections, includinga first tonneau section and a second tonneau section. The tonneausections are moveable relative to one another between an unfolded stateand a folded state. In the unfolded state the tonneau sectionssubstantially cover the cargo box, and in the folded state the tonneausections are arranged in a stack, with the tonneau sections beingarranged one atop another. The tonneau system also includes latchassemblies having a latch base and a latch handle assembly. The latchhandle assembly including a handle, a clamp jaw, an adjustment rod, anda pivot member. The handle and clamp jaw are supported on the adjustmentrod with the handle being engaged with the clamp jaw and configured tomove the clamp jaw relative to the adjustment rod. The adjustment rod isconnected at one end to the pivot member. The latch base is supported bythe tonneau cover and includes a body defining a plurality of discretemounting positions. The body defines a longitudinal axis extendingtransversely across the tonneau cover, a lateral axis extendinglengthwise of the tonneau cover and a normal axis extendingperpendicularly to a plane generally defined by the tonneau cover in theunfolded position. The latch handle assembly is releasably retained withthe latch base in one of the mounting positions, and each mountingpositions includes an entrance passageway extending into the body of thelatch base. The latch handle assembly is releasably retained in one ofthe mounting positions by a resilient retention member that is locatedin the passageway and deformable by the latch handle assembly duringinsertion and withdrawal of the latch handle assemble through thepassageway. The resilient retention member engages the latch handleassembly and retains the latch handle assembly in the mountingpositions.

In another aspect, the passageway is oriented substantially parallel tothe lateral axis of the body of the latch base.

In another aspect, the passageway terminates in an arcuate end wall, theretention member being spaced apart from the end wall.

In another aspect, the retention member is spaced apart from end wall adistance less than an effective diameter of the pivot member.

In a further aspect, the retention member is a protuberance defining inthe passageway.

In another aspect, the protuberance extends across the passageway.

In another aspect, the passageway corresponds in shape to the pivotmember.

In an additional aspect, the pivot member is a cylindrical barreldefining a diameter.

In another aspect, the pivot barrel defines a slot and an end of theadjustment rod is engaged in the slot.

In another aspect, the pivot barrel has a longitudinal axis orientedalong the transverse axis in the one of the mounting positions.

In another aspect, the pivot barrel is rotatable about the longitudinalaxis in each of the plurality of the mounting positions.

In still another aspect, a slot is defined in the body of the latch baseopposite of the passageway.

In a further aspect, the slot is oriented substantially parallel to thelateral axis of the body of the latch base.

In another aspect, the slot has a width corresponding to a diameter ofthe adjustment rod.

In yet another aspect, the latch handle assembly is moveable between useand stowed positions, in the stowed position the adjustment rod beinglocated in the slot.

In another aspect, a protuberance is located in the slot and engagingthe adjustment rod whereby the adjustment rod is removeable retained inthe slot.

In another aspect, the protuberance extends along a length of the slot.

In an additional aspect, the passageway has a width corresponding to alength of the pivot member.

In another aspect, the pivot member is rotatable within the plurality ofmounting positions.

In still a further aspect, the tonneau cover includes side frame membersconfigured to extend along the sidewalls of the bed of the pickup truckand lateral frame members extending between the side frame members, thelatch base including a mounting boss received in an end of one of thelateral frame members.

In another aspect, the latch base includes a mounting flange opposite ofthe mounting boss, the mounting flange being attached to one of the sideframe members.

In another aspect, the adjustment rod includes an off-set shank

In another aspect, the latch handle assembly is moveable between use andstowed positions, in the stowed position the adjustment rod extendingover latch base in a direction generally parallel with the transverseaxis of the latch base.

In an additional aspect, the passageway defines an entrance openingoriented generally parallel to the normal axis.

In another aspect, the entrance passage way include channel extendingalong the longitudinal axis of the latch base.

In still another aspect, the channel terminates in a recess defined inthe latch body.

In another aspect, the recess is defined in part by a bottom wall of thelatch base, the bottom wall facing into the bed of the truck.

In yet another aspect, recess is defined in part by a top wall of thelatch base.

In another aspect, the top wall is a formed at least in part by a webextending in the direction of the lateral axis of the latch body.

In further aspect, the channel is defined in part by a resilient tang.

In another aspect, the resilient tang includes a free end terminating adistanced spaced apart from a terminal end of the passageway.

In another aspect, the retention member is protuberance on the free endof the resilient tang.

In another aspect, protuberance is spaced apart from the terminal end ofthe passageway a distance generally corresponding to a width of thepivot member.

In still a further aspect, the pivot member defines a pivot axisoriented generally parallel to the lateral axis of the latch base.

In another aspect, the tonneau cover includes side frame membersconfigured to extend along the sidewalls of the bed of the pickup truckand lateral frame members extending between the side frame members, thelatch base being received an end of one of the lateral frame members.

In another aspect, the lateral member includes portions defining cutoutscorresponding to the entrance openings.

In another aspect, the latch handle assembly is moveable between a useposition and stowed positions, in the stowed position the adjustment rodextending generally along the longitudinal axis of the latch base.

In another aspect, the lateral frame member includes retainer locatedtherein and configured to engage the handle of the latch handleassembly.

In another aspect, the retainer defines a width less than a width of thelatch handle.

In another aspect, the retainer is resilient.

In another aspect of the invention, a tonneau system for use with a bedof a pickup truck is provided. The bed has opposing first and secondsidewalls and also have a front sidewall extending between the first andsecond sidewalls at one end thereof, and a rear sidewall extendingbetween the first and second sidewalls at another end thereof. Thetonneau system includes a tonneau cover having at least two tonneausections, including a first tonneau section and a second tonneausection. The tonneau sections are moveable relative to one anotherbetween an unfolded state and a folded state. In the unfolded state thetonneau sections substantially cover the cargo box. In the folded statethe tonneau sections are arranged in a stack with the tonneau sectionspositioned one atop another. The tonneau cover also includes a pluralityof latch assemblies, with each latch assembly including a latch base anda latch handle assembly. The latch handle assembly further including ahandle, a clamp jaw, and an adjustment member. The handle and clamp jaware supported on the adjustment member, with the handle being engagedwith the clamp jaw and configured to move the clamp jaw relative to theadjustment member. The adjustment member is connected at one end to thelatch base. The latch base includes a belt extending about end rollersand is moveable about the end rollers in a direction generally transversto lateral side of the tonneau cover.

In another aspect, the belt is an endless belt.

In another aspect, the adjustment member is connected to the latch baseby attachment of the one end to the belt.

In a further aspect, the adjustment member is connected to the latchbase by attachment of the one end to the belt at an outer surface of thebelt.

In another aspect, the belt includes a central split over at least aportion of the length of the belt.

In another aspect, the adjustment member is connected to the latch baseby attachment of the one end to the belt at an inner surface of thebelt.

In an additional aspect, the one end of the attachment member extendsthrough the central split of the belt.

In another aspect, an extension projects of off an end of the adjustmentmember, the projection engages the belt in a use position of the latchassembly and during such engagement.

In another aspect, the projection engages an upper run of the belt.

In another aspect, the latch assembly is moveable between use and stowedpositions, in the stowed position the clamp jaw of the being located inthe split of the belt.

In an additional aspect, the latch assembly is moveable between use andstowed positions, in the stowed position the clamp jaw extending aboutthe belt and one end roller of the latch base.

In another aspect, a lock assembly is moveable between a positionengaged with the belt and a position disengaged with the belt, in theengaged position the lock assembly inhibits rotation of the belt.

In another aspect, the lock assembly is a cam lock, the cam lock have acam surface moveable between the engaged position and the disengagedposition.

In still a further aspect, the cam lock includes a lever handle coupledto the cam surface and configured to move the cam surface between theengage and disengaged position.

In another aspect, the cam lock further includes a biasing membercoupled to the cam surface and biasing the cam surface into the engagedposition.

In yet another aspect, the adjustment member is connected to the latchbase by attachment of the one end to the belt at an inner surface of thebelt.

In another aspect, the belt is freely moveable about the rollers andtension on the belt during engagement of the latch assembly with thesidewall of the bed cause self-centering of the latch handle assemblyand latch base relative to the sidewall of the bed of the truck.

In a further aspect, the tonneau cover is a soft fold tonneau cover.

In still another aspect the tonneau cover is a hard fold tonneau cover.

In one additional aspect of the invention, a rail attachment for usewith a bed of a pickup truck, wherein the bed has opposing first andsecond side walls and also has a front sidewall extending between thefirst and second sidewalls at one end thereof and a rear sidewallextending between the first and second bed at an opposed end thereof.Upper portions of the first and second side walls define bed rails ofthe bed. The rail attachment includes a base plate having an upper lipprojecting laterally outward from a base wall of the base plate. Thebase wall including portions defining a clamp opening. A catch plate ismounted to the base plate at least partially over the clamp opening. Thecatch plate includes a catch extending through the clamp opening and avertical clamping space is defined between the upper lip and the catchand is configured to receive a portion of the bed rail therein. A clampplate mounted to the base plate. The clamp plate cooperates with thebase wall to define a lateral clamping space between clamp plate and thebase wall and is configured to receive a portion of the bed railtherein. The lateral clamping space is oriented perpendicular to thevertical clamping space. An anchor point is mounted to the base plateand the anchor point includes a catch extending from the base wall in adirection opposite from upper lip.

In another aspect, the catch is configured to engage a latch of atonneau cover for mounting of the tonneau cover to the bed of the truck.

In another aspect, the catch plate is adjustably mounted to the basewall on a first side thereof.

In a further aspect, catch plate includes portions defining slotsextending through the catch plate.

In another aspect, the threaded fasteners extend through the slots andengage threaded bores defined in the base wall, the catch plate beingadjustable along a length of the slots.

In still another aspect, the clamp plate adjustably mounted to the basewall on a second side thereof.

In another aspect, the clamp plate adjustably mounted to the base wallon a side thereof.

In yet another aspect, the base wall includes portions defining slotsextending through the base wall, threaded fasteners extending throughthe slots in the base wall and through bores defined in clamp plate, theclamp plate being adjustable along the slots in the base wall.

In another aspect, the slots are provided in an embossment formed in thebase wall.

In an additional aspect, the base wall includes an upturned lipextending from a lower portion of the base wall and to a same side ofthe base wall as the upper lip, the upturned lip receiving a downturnedlip provided on the clamp plate and supporting the clamp plate therein.

In another aspect, the anchor point is adjustably mounted to the basewall on a first side thereof.

In another aspect, the anchor point includes portions defining slotsextending through the anchor point, and threaded fasteners extendthrough the slots in the anchor point and through bores defined in basewall, with the anchor point being adjustable along the slots.

In a further aspect, a tapered shim is provided between the anchor pointand the base wall, the anchor point being adjustable through positioningof the shim.

In another aspect, the shim includes portions defining slots extendingthrough the shim, the threaded fasteners extending through the slots inthe shim.

In another aspect, the catch plate is mounted at a first height relativeto the base wall and the clamp plate is mounted at a second heightrelative to the base wall, the first height being close to the upper lipthan the second height.

In additional aspect, the catch plate is mounted at a first heightrelative to the base wall and the anchor point is mounted at a secondheight relative to the base wall, the second height being close to theupper lip than the first height.

In another aspect, the catch plate is mounted at a first height relativeto the base wall, the clamp plate is mounted at a second height relativeto the base wall, and the anchor point is mounted at a third heightrelative to the base wall, the third height being close to the upper lipthan the first height and the first height being close to the upper lipthan the second height.

In another aspect, a hook or loop is provided on the base wall andconfigured for attachment of an accessory thereto.

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will becomereadily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a review of thefollowing description, including the claims, and with reference to thedrawings that are appended to and form a part of this specification. Itwill be appreciated that the foregoing summary sets out representativeaspects of a tonneau system to assist skilled readers in understandingthe following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is partial perspective view of a pickup truck having a tonneaucover according to the principles of the present invention extended overand covering the bed of the pickup truck.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of framework and latch assemblies for thetonneau cover.

FIG. 3 is an inverted perspective view of one embodiment of a latchassembly seen in FIG. 2.

FIG. 4 is an inverted perspective view illustrating the latch assemblyof FIG. 3 in conjunction with the framework of the tonneau cover.

FIG. 5 is an inverted exploded view of the latch assembly and framework.

FIGS. 6A-6C are plan views of the latch assembly in three differentmounted positions on the latch base for use with different sized bedrails of different trucks.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the latch base showing thepivot barrel retained in one of the three mounting positions defined bythe latch base of the latch assembly.

FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIGS. 6A-6C showing the latch assembly in astored position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a variation of the latch assembly shownin the stored position.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are side view of two different latch handle varietiesfor the latch assembly.

FIGS. 11A-11C are illustrations of the barrel and shaft in perspective,exploded and side views.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of framework and another embodiment oflatch assemblies for the tonneau cover.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the latch assembly of FIG. 12 inconnection with the framework of the tonneau cover.

FIG. 14 is an exploded view of the latch assembly seen in FIG. 13.

FIG. 15 is an inverted view of the latch assembly seen in FIG. 13, apartfrom the framework.

FIGS. 16 and 17 are plan views of the latch assembly seen in FIG. 15 instored positions.

FIG. 18 is an inverted perspective view of a portion of a lateral framemember used in conjunction with the latch assembly of FIG. 12.

FIGS. 19, 20A and 20B illustrate the latch handle assembly andengagement with a mounting position defined by latch base, showninverted for clarity purposes.

FIG. 21 is top perspective view of the latch base.

FIG. 22 is schematic illustration of another embodiment of a latchassembly for the tonneau cover.

FIG. 23 is a schematic illustration of a variation of the latch assemblyseen in FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a side view of the latch assembly seen in FIG. 23.

FIG. 25 is a diagrammatic view of a mechanism for locking the latchassemblies of FIGS. 22 and 23.

FIG. 26 is a diagrammatic view of mechanism for storing the latchassemblies of FIGS. 22 and 23.

FIG. 27 is a perspective illustration of a bed rail attachment for apickup truck.

FIG. 28 is a side view of the bed rail attachment seen in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the bed rail attachment.

FIGS. 30A and 30B are side view of long and short sizes of the bed railattachment.

FIG. 31 shows the bed rail attachment in conjunction with differentaccessories that are illustrative of the types of accessories that canbe used therewith.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used in the description that follows, directional terms such as“upper” and “lower” are used with reference to the orientation of theelements as presented in the figures. Accordingly, “upper” indicates adirection toward the top of the figure and “lower” indicates a directiontoward the bottom of the figure. The terms “left” and “right” aresimilarly interpreted. The terms “inward” or “inner” and “outward” or“outer” indicate a direction that is generally toward or away from acentral axis of the referred to part whether or not such an axis isdesignated in the figures. An axial surface is therefore one that facesin the axial direction. In other words, an axial surface faces in adirection along the central axis. A radial surface therefore facesradially, generally away from or toward the central axis. It will beunderstood, however, that in actual implementation, the directionalreferences used herein may not necessarily correspond with theinstallation and orientation of the corresponding components or device.

Referring now to the drawings, a tonneau cover embodying the principlesof the present invention is generally illustrated in FIG. 1 anddesignated at 10. The tonneau cover 10 is shown as being mounted to thecargo box or bed (hereafter “bed”) 12 of a pickup truck (hereafter“truck”) 14 so as to cover or enclose the bed 12. The bed 12 is locatedrearward of the passenger cabin or cab (hereafter “cab”) 16 and includesa pair of opposed sidewalls 18 joined at their forward and reward endsby a front wall or bulkhead 20 and rear wall or tailgate 22,respectively. The tops of the sidewalls are typically reinforced anddefine bed rails 24 that include, on their laterally inward sides, adownwardly projecting flange 26.

As previously mentioned, tonneau covers themselves come in singlesection tonneau covers, soft fold tonneau covers and hard fold tonneaucovers. Each of these tonneau covers include one or more sections havinglateral frame members or crossbows. The latch and rail constructionsdescribed herein are equally useable with and applicable to singlesection tonneau covers, soft fold tonneau covers and hard fold tonneaucovers. Accordingly, as described below, a reference to tonneau cover 10is generic to any of these types of tonneau cover, unless the languageof the description specifically requires a different interpretation orthe description otherwise indicates to the contrary.

As seen in FIG. 1, the tonneau cover 10 is mounted to the bed 12 of atruck 14 and may include one or more sections. As specificallyillustrated therein, the tonneau cover 10 is a soft fold tonneau coverhaving four tonneau sections, designated as tonneau sections 28, withsection 28′ being located closest or adjacent to the tailgate 22 andsection 28″ being located closest or adjacent to the bulkhead 20. Thetonneau cover 10 includes a framework 32 (not seen in FIG. 1) of sideframe members 34 and lateral frame members 36, the latter of which mayinclude cross bows. The side frame members 34 rest on top of the bedrails 24 and the lateral frame members extend between the side framemembers on opposite sides of the bed 12. A cover of flexible material,such as polyester backed vinyl, extends over and is retained with theframework 32.

The tonneau cover 10 of FIG. 1 is illustrated in its unfolded positionwhere the tonneau cover 10 is fully extended and covers the bed 12 ofthe truck 14. A folded position of the tonneau cover 10 is alsoillustrated in FIG. 1. This is representatively shown with dash-dotlines with the tonneau sections 28 forming a stack 30 and the tonneausections 28 being located one a top another.

In folding the tonneau cover 10 from its extended, unfolded position toits folded position, the section 28′ adjacent to the tailgate 22 isfirst folded on top of the immediately adjacent intermediate section 28.Next these two sections 28 are folded on top of the next intermediatesection 28. Finally, all three of these sections are folded on top ofthe section 28″ adjacent to the bulkhead 20 or cab 16. In the stack 30of tonneau sections 28, the tonneau sections 28″ forms the bottom of thestack 30. As will be readily appreciated, the tonneau cover 10 of FIG. 1may have included less than four sections 28 or more than four sections28.

As previously noted, the following description of latches and rails isnot limited to one specific type of tonneau cover 10.

Side Load Latch

Referring now to FIG. 2, a representative framework 32 of the tonneaucover 10 is illustrated therein, but in a three tonneau section 28embodiment instead of the four tonneau section 28 embodiment of FIG. 1.The side frame members 34 and lateral frame members 36 are readily seenin FIG. 2. Along each side of the framework 32, three side frame members34 are separated by hinges 38 that provide for the folding of thetonneau cover 10. A tailgate end lateral member 40 extends between theside frame members 34 closest to the tailgate 22 and a bulkhead endlateral member 42 extends between the side frame members 34 closest tothe bulkhead 20 (when the tonneau cover 10 is mounted to the bed 12).

As will be readily appreciated by persons skilled in the technology oftonneau covers, not shown in FIG. 2 is the flexible cover that would beused with the framework 32 in a tonneau cover 10 of the soft foldvariety or the rigid skins and cores that would be used with theframework 32 in a tonneau cover of the hard fold variety. Arepresentative construction of a hard fold tonneau cover is disclosed inU.S. Pat. No. 10,596,887 and a representative construction of a softfold tonneau cover is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 10,399,420, both ofwhich are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety.

Also seen in FIG. 2 are latch assemblies 44 used to secure the tonneaucover 10 to the bed 12 of the truck 14. Four latch assemblies are seenin FIG. 2, two located near the bulkhead end of the tonneau cover 10 andtwo near the tailgate end of the tonneau cover 10. In the illustratedframework 32, the latch assemblies 44 are integrated with lateral framemembers 36 at the ends thereof to join the lateral frame members 36 withthe side frame members 34, as seen in FIG. 4.

Two varieties of the latch assemblies 44 are used with the tonneau cover10, but a single variety may be employed if desired. Since the tonneausection 28′ needs to be released to provide access into the bed 12,latch assemblies 44 having quick releasing latch handle assemblies areused therewith. These latch handle assemblies 44 may be of an overcenter, locking cam handle variety, as seen in FIG. 10B, and which arewell known in the industry and therefore not described in detail hereinother than as needed to understand the present inventive concepts. Thetonneau section 28″ adjacent the bulkhead end of the tonneau cover 10typically remains attached to the bed 12 of the truck 14, unless thetonneau cover 10 is being completely removed. Accordingly, a rotarylatch handle assembly 44, which is not as readily released, may be usedwith the tonneau section 28″. One type of rotary latch handle assembly44 includes a knob threadably received on a shaft. As an alternative tothe knob, screwdriver-like handle may be threadably received on theshaft. The screwdriver-like handle variety is illustrated in variousfigures, including FIG. 10A.

Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4 and 5, a latch assembly 44 having the rotaryhandle assembly mentioned above is seen therein. In the latch assembly44 includes a latch base 46, and a rotary handle assembly 48. The rotarylatch handle assembly 48 is further comprised of a screwdriver-typelatch handle 50, a clamp jaw 51, a threaded adjustment rod 52 and pivotbarrel 54.

The latch base 46 includes a mounting boss 56 extending from one end,seen in FIG. 3, and which is configured to be received within the end ofa lateral frame member 36, as seen in FIG. 4. The mounting boss 56 maybe press fit or otherwise provided into the end of the lateral framemember 36. The latch base 46 also includes a three positon mountingblock 58 that allows the latch handle assembly 48 to be engagedtherewith in three distinct positions. The mounting block 58 alsoincludes, opposite of the mounting boss 56, a mounting flange 60 for usein securing the latch base 46, and the lateral frame member 36, to theside frame member 34. For this purpose, the lateral frame member 36 maybe provided with apertures 62 and secured to the side frame member 34 bymechanical fasteners (not shown), such as screws or rivets.Alternatively, the mounting flange 60 may be formed as T-fitting andreceived within a slot defined in the side frame member 34.

As best seen in FIGS. 7 and 11A-11C, the pivot barrel 54 is acylindrical body having a slot 64 formed and oriented longitudinallywithin the body. The slot 64 is configured to receive a blade shaped tip66 of the adjustment rod 52. Transverse to the slot 64, a bore 68 isprovided in the pivot barrel 54 and a pin 69 is received therein. Thepin 69 extends in the bore 68 and through a corresponding bore 70 in thetip 66 of the adjustment rod 52 to secure the pivot barrel 54 to theadjustment rod 52. The pin 69 may be press fit or otherwise secured inthe bore 68. The slot 64 has a length greater than the width of the tip66 and the bore 70 is slightly oversized relative to the pin 69. As aresult and as seen in FIG. 11C, the adjustment rod 52 can pivot relativeto the pivot barrel 54 and about the pin 69 in a direction correspondingthe longitudinal axis of the pivot barrel 54. Preferably, the adjustmentrod 52 can pivot about 35 degrees in either direction.

The clamp jaw 51 includes a bore through which the shank of theadjustment rod is inserted and the latch handle 50 is threadably engagedwith a threaded portion 72 formed on the adjustment rod. The latchhandle 50 thereby retains the clamp jaw on the adjustment rod 52. Byrotating and advancing or retracting the latch handle 50 along theadjustment rod 52 relative to the latch base 46, the clamp jaw 51 can bebrought into engagement with the flange 26 of the bed rail 24 ordisengaged therefrom. As a result, the side frame member 34 may beclamped down onto the top of the bed rail 24, securely retaining thetonneau cover 10 in place.

Depending on the width of the bed rail 24, the position of the latchhandle assembly 48 on the latch base 46 in relation to the side framemember 34 may need to be adjusted for proper positioning of the tonneaucover 10. As seen in FIG. 4, the latch handle assembly 48 is located ina narrow or first position, generally designated at 74, immediatelyadjacent to the side frame member 34. As seen in FIGS. 4, 6A-6C, 10A and10B, two additional positions are defined in the latch base 46. Theseinclude a wide or second position 78 and an intermediate or thirdposition 76, the latter being located between the narrow and widepositions 74, 78.

Referring now to FIG. 7, an enlarged cross-sectional view of theengagement of the pivot barrel 54, and therefore the latch handleassembly 48, in the latch base 46 is shown. The engagement seen in FIG.7 is representative of the engagement occurring at each of the threemounting positions 74, 76, 78 of the latch base 46. In the figure, theengagement is shown in an inverted orientation, contrary to itsinstallation position. This is inverted position is shown to remainconsistent with presentation of FIGS. 3 and 4, as well as other figures.

Each mounting position 74, 76, 78 is defined by a lateral slot 80partway formed through the latch base 46 approximately midway betweenthe bottom and top surfaces 82, 83 of the latch base 46. The lateralslot 80 has a height approximating the diameter of the pivot barrel 54and a length, which is in a direction into the page of FIG. 7,approximating the length of the pivot barrel 54. The laterally inwardend 84 of the lateral slot 80 is arcuate and approximates the radius ofcurvature defined by the cylindrical surface of the pivot barrel 54. Toretain the pivot barrel 54 in the lateral slot 80, at least one of anupper and lower surface of the slot 80 is provided with a raisedprotrusion, boss or bump 86 that reduced the height of the lateral slot80 to a dimension that is less than the diameter of the pivot barrel 54.Upon insertion of the pivot barrel 54 of the latch handle assembly 48into the lateral slot 80, the pivot barrel 54 will progress untilencountering the protrusion(s) 86. The material of the latch base 46 issufficiently resilient that the pivot barrel 54 can be pushed over theprotrusions(s) 86 and thereafter retained between the protrusions 86 andthe inward end 84 of the lateral slot 80. Conversely, by pulling on thelatch handle assembly 48, the pivot barrel 54 can be pulled over theprotrusion(s) 86 and out of the lateral slot 80 of one mounting position74, 76, 78 and then inserted into the lateral slot 80 of anothermounting position 74, 76, 78. Non-limiting examples of materials for thelatch base 46 is a plastic material or glass reinforced nylon or asimilar material.

Extending downward from the lateral slot 80 to the bottom surface 82 isa entrance slot 88 of a reduced width that approximates the diameter ofthe adjustment rod 52. This entrance slot 88, which is readily seen inFIG. 3, allows for the latch handle assembly 48, including the pivotbarrel 54, to be rotated while in the inward end of the lateral slot 80so that the latch handle assembly 48 is generally perpendicular to theside frame member 34 and in a position for attaching the tonneau coverto the bed 12 of the truck 14. This position is the use position of thelatch handle assembly 48.

When the tonneau cover 10 is to be folded into the stack 30, the latchhandle assembly 48 must be moved from the use position so as to notinterfere with folding of the tonneau cover 10. For this purpose, thelatch handle assembly 48 may be rotated back through the entrance slot88 into a position where the adjustment rod 54 extends out through thelateral slot 80. In this position, the latch handle assembly 48 isretained by the protrusion(s) 86.

Alternately, and preferably, the latch base 46 is provided with anadditional slot 90 specifically defining a stowed position for the latchhandle assembly 48. As seen in FIG. 7, opposite of the lateral slot 80and the entrance slot 88, the latch base is formed with a stowage slot90 that extends laterally out of the side of the latch base 46 anddownward to the bottom surface 82. This stowage slot 90 has a diameterapproximating the diameter of the adjustment rod 52. Provided in a sidewall of the stowage slot 90, and seen in FIGS. 10A and 10B, aprotrusion, boss or bump 92 extending into the slot 90. The protrusion92 may also extend the lateral length of the stowage slot 90. In amanner similar to the protrusion 86 retaining the pivot barrel 54 in thelateral slot 80, the protrusion 92 in the stowage slot 90 is provided ata location in the slot 90 whereby the shank of the adjustment rod 52 canresiliently deform the protrusion allowing the adjustment rod 52 to movebeyond the protrusion 92 and snap into the stowed position. This occursas the latch handle assembly 48, including the pivot barrel 54, isrotated about the longitudinal axis of the pivot barrel 54. With thelatch handle assembly 48 in the stowed position, the tonneau cover 10may be folded as described above without interference by the latchhandle assembly 48.

As representatively shown in FIG. 9, the tonneau cover 10 may also beprovided with a c-shaped clip 94 to engage the latch handle 50 in thestowed position. The C-shaped clip may be utilized with the previouslydiscussed embodiment or may be used in an embodiment where the latchbase 46 does not include a stowage slot 90 and, instead, employs anoffset shank 96 in the adjustment rod 52 obviating the need for thestowage slot 90.

As so far discussed, the latch assembly 44 has been described as arotational latch handle assembly 48. As previously mentioned, a camlatch assembly 98 may also be employed, particularly in connection withthe tonneau section 28′ adjacent to the tailgate 22. A cam latch handleassembly 98 is seen in FIGS. 2 and 10B and utilizes the same latch base46, adjustment rod 52 and pivot barrel 54 discussed above. Instead ofthe screwdriver-like latch handle 50, the cam latch handle assembly 98includes a lever handle 100 having a cam surface 102 that engages aclamp jaw 104 and forces the clamp jaw 104 into retaining engagementwith the flange 26 as the lever handle 100 is pivoted upward toward thetonneau section of the tonneau cover, which is counterclockwise from theposition seen in FIG. 10B. Like the screwdriver-like latch handle 50,the lever handle 100 is threadably received on the threaded portion 72of the adjustment rod 52. Unlike the screwdriver-like latch handle 50,rotation of the lever handle 100 about the adjustment rod 52 to advancethe lever handle 100 toward the latch base 46 is done only to initiallyposition the clamp jaw 104 relative to the flange 26. Final engagementof the clamp jaw 104 with the flange 26 is achieved by pivoting thelever handle 100 toward the tonneau section 28′ as mentioned above. Inpivoting the lever handle 100, the cam surface 102 interacts with theclamp jaw 104 further forcing the clamp jaw 104 toward the flange 26.

T-Latch

Referring now to FIG. 12, a representative framework 32, like that seenin FIG. 2, for a tonneau cover 10, of the varieties represented by FIG.1, is illustrated therein. Similarly, the framework 32 includes sideframe members 34 separated by hinges 38, lateral frame members 36, atailgate end lateral member 40, and a bulkhead end lateral member 42. Inthe interest of conciseness, for a more complete discussion of thetonneau cover 10 and framework 32, attention is directed to thediscussion presented in connection with FIGS. 1 and 2. Also, like thatseen in connection with the previously discussed embodiment, theframework 32 includes four latch assemblies 44 generally located towardthe four corners of the tonneau cover 10.

The latch assemblies 44 also include rotary latch handle assemblies 48and cam latch handle assemblies 98. The distinction in the presentembodiment from the prior embodiments lies in the engagement of theadjustment rod with the pivot barrel, the engagement of the pivot barrelwith the latch base and the construction of the latch base itself.Accordingly, for discussions regarding the handle assemblies 48, 98,reference is made to the previously discussion of these features.

As seen in FIGS. 13-15, the latch handle assemblies 48, 98 include anadjustment rod 52 having tip 112 that is fixedly received within a bore114 of a pivot barrel 116. In one preferred embodiment, the tip 112 isbe threadably engaged in the bore 114 of the pivot barrel 116 forming aT-bar construction. In an alternative embodiment, the tip 112 isthreadably secured by a nut. The latch assemblies 44 also include alatch base 118 engaged with the pivot barrel 116 of the latch handleassemblies 48, 98.

The latch base 118 is received within the end of an aluminum extrusion120, which may be the end of a lateral frame member 36 in a soft foldingtonneau cover 10 or a separate extrusion incorporated into an openingformed in a corresponding tonneau section 28′, 28″ of a hard foldingtonneau cover 10. The extrusion 120 may be formed as a channel memberhaving central slot 122 bounded by inwardly extending flanges 124 on alower side of the extrusion 120 (in the installed position).

The latch base 118 is received in the end of the extrusion 120 and isretained therein by mechanical fasteners 126, such as screws or rivets,extending through the flanges 124 into the body of the latch base 118.The latch base 118 also includes a flange 128 on one end, positionedoutward of the extrusion 120, and used to secure the latch base andextrusion 120 to the corresponding side frame member 34. The flange 128may be received in a slot 130 formed in the side frame member 34 or maybe secured to an insert 132 provided in the slot 130 by threadedfasteners 134 that clamp the flange 128 to the side frame member 34 viathe insert 132.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 and 19, the latch base 118 defines multiplepositions, three in the figures, for mounting of the latch handleassemblies 48, 98 to the latch base. These mounting positions are usedto enable the tonneau cover 10 to be used with various sized bed rails24 of different trucks 14. Similar to the prior embodiment, the threepositions include a narrow or first mounting position 136, a wide orthird mounting position 140, and an intermediate mounting position 138located between the narrow and wide mounting positions 136, 140.

Each mounting position 136, 138, 140 is cooperatively defined onopposite sides of the latch base 118 in side rails 142 of the latch base118. The side rails 142 form part of the body of the latch base 118 andare connected at opposed ends by webs or cross members 144, which mayalso be provided centrally between the side rails as seen in FIG. 21.The mounting positions 136, 138, 140 are distinct in that the pivotbarrel 116 must be removed from the latch base 118 in order to berepositioned in another one of the mounting positions 136, 138, 140.Thus, there is no common pathway or passage for the pivot barrel 116between the mounting positions 136, 138, 140.

In each side rail 142, the mounting positions 136, 138, 140 are formedby a channel 146 extending from an opening 148 in the bottom wall 150 ofthe side rail 142. The channel 146 extend obliquely from the opening 148to a recess 152 defined between the bottom wall 150 and a top wall 154of the side rail 142. In one embodiment, the webs 144 may positioned soas to effectively operate as the top wall allowing the recess 152 toopen immediately above the bottom wall 150. Proceeding toward the recess152, the channel 146 is partially defined by a resilient tang 156 havinga protuberance 158 formed on the free end of the tang 156. Uponinsertion of the pivot barrel 116 through the opening 148 into thechannel 146 and toward the recess 152, the pivot barrel 116 causes thetang 156 to deflect outwardly allowing the pivot barrel 116 to pass overthe protuberance 158 and into the recess 152, at which point the tang156 returns to its original position and the protuberance 158 operatesas a stop inhibiting removal of the pivot barrel 116 from the recess 152and the mounting positon 136, 138, 140. In the recess 152, the pivotbarrel 116, and therefore the latch handle assembly 48, 98, is free topivot toward and away from the side frame member 34.

To enable the pivot barrel 116 to enter through the openings 148 in thebottom wall of the latch base 118, the flanges 124 of the extrusion 120are provided with cutouts 160 that correspond with the openings 148. Thecutouts 160 are readily seen in FIGS. 15 and 18.

The center portion of the latch base 118, between the side rails 142, isgenerally free of obstruction allowing the latch handle assemblies 48,98 to pivot upward into the extrusion 120 from its use position, seen inFIG. 15, into a stowed position, regardless of the mounting position136, 138, 140 of the pivot barrel 116. The stowed position of the latchhandle assemblies 48, 98 is seen in FIGS. 16 and 17.

To retain the latch handle assemblies 48, 98 in the stowed position,resilient retainers 162 extend in the extrusion 120 away from the latchbase 118 beneath the flanges 124. The retainers 162 may be formed from afoam material and are preferably sized so as to define a distance therebetween that is slightly less than the effective width of thescrewdriver-like handle 50 and lever handle 100. The retainers 162therefore squeeze against the respective handle 50, 100 retaining thelatch handle assemblies 48, 98 in the stowed position. The retainer maybe monolithic as seen in FIG. 18 or formed in a layer construction asseen in FIG. 15.

Conveyor Latch

Referring now to FIGS. 22-26, a third embodiment of a latch assembly fora tonneau cover 10 is illustrated therein. As seen below, a conveyorlatch assembly 170 may be incorporated into either of the frameworks 32discussed above as a substitute for the latch assemblies 44 discussed inconnection therewith. The conveyor latch assembly 170 of the presentembodiment similarly includes a latch base 172 and a latch handleassembly 174. The latch base 172 may be incorporated into the ends of alateral frame members 36, which may be and extrusion 120, associatedwith tonneau sections 28′, 28″ and which may be provided as part of asoft fold tonneau cover 10 or a hard fold tonneau cover 10. The sideframe member 34 and lateral frame member 36 are only diagrammaticallydepicted in FIGS. 22-24.

Rather than a generally block shaped latch base having defining distinctmounting positions as seen in the prior embodiments, the latch base 172of the present embodiment is provided in the form of a conveyor havingan endless belt 176, of nylon strapping or similar material, extendedabout end rollers 178 that are rotationally coupled to the side walls ofthe lateral frame member 36 utilizing bearings, bushings or similarmeans. Alternatively, the rollers may be fixed and have a low frictionouter surface. As such, the belt 176 is free to move about the rollers178.

Attached to the belt 176 is a latch handle assembly 174, which may be arotary latch handle assembly 48, a cam lever latch handle assembly 98 orother style of latch handle assembly, such as the dial latch handleassembly 170 discussed below. The latch handle assembly 174 is pivotallycoupled to the belt 176 at fixed position of the belt 176 and,therefore, the position of the pivot connection moves with the belt 176toward or away from the side frame member 34 (arrows 177) and theassociated flange 26 of the bed rail 24 of the truck 14. The pivotalconnection of the latch handle assembly 174 may be made by variousmeans, including providing eyelet 180 on the end of an adjustment rod orstrap 182 of the latch handle assembly 174 and coupling the eyelet 180to via an integral loop 184 formed with the belt 176 and extendedthrough the eyelet 180 to captively retain the eyelet 180.

The latch handle assembly 174 may be adjusted so as to lengthen orshorten, as indicated by arrows 186, the position of a hook or clamp jaw188 relative to side frame member 34. The hook 188 is integrally formedon the distal end of a handle body 190 into which the adjustment strap182 is received. The handle body 190 further includes a rotary dial 192,threadably coupled to the handle body 190 and adjustment strap 182, sothat rotation (arrow 194) of the dial will operate to tighten and orloosen fixation of the adjustment strap 182 with the handle body 190 andallow adjustment of the hook 188 via relative movement of the adjustmentstrap 182 in the handle body 190. As such, with the hook 188 engagedwith the flange 26 of the bed rail 24, once the appropriate tension inthe latch handle assembly 174 has been set via the adjustment strap 182,the latch assembly 170 is able to self-center into a best leverageposition because the belt 176 is free to move about the roller 178. Onceself-centered, the tension of the adjustment strap 182 may again beadjusted, if necessary, to retain the tonneau cover 10 to the bed of thetruck 14.

FIG. 23 illustrates variations on the conveyor latch assembly 170 seenin FIG. 22. In one variation, the dial latch handle assembly 174 may bereplaced with the rotary latch handle assembly 48 discussed above andutilized with the belt 176 of FIG. 22. Alternatively, a variation of thebelt 176 may also be used. As seen in FIG. 23, the belt 176 is replacedwith a belt 196 having a split construction, which may be full orpartial (designated in phantom). With the split in the belt 196, a pivotshaft or barrel 198, coupled to the end of the adjustment rod 52, may belocated within the endless loop defined by the belt 196 and retained tothe belt 196 by an inner integral loop 200 of the belt 198, similar tothe loop 184 of the previously variation seen in FIG. 22.

As further seen in FIG. 24, an extension 202 may be provided off of thepivot shaft 198, toward the upper run 204 of the belt 196. The extension202 is dimensioned so that when the latch assembly 170 is in its useposition and engaged with the flange 26 of the bed rail 24, an end 204of the extension 202 will engage the upper run 206 of the belt 196 andfix the position of the belt 196. In other words, the engagement of theextension 202 with the upper run operates to lock the belt 196 andprevent further movement about the rollers 178.

Other means for locking the position of the latch assembly 170 may alsobe provided. As seen in diagrammatically presented in FIG. 25, a camlock 208 may be provided at one end of the belt 176, 196 so as to engagea cam surface 210 with the belt 176, 196 and to pinch the belt 176, 196between the cam surface 210 and the roller 178. The cam lock 208 mayinclude a lever arm 212 coupled to the cam surface 210 and biased by aspring 214 to lock movement of the belt 176, 196. By depressing thelever arm 212 against the bias of the spring 214, the cam surface 210 isrotated out of engagement with the belt 175, 196 and the belt 176, 196freed for movement.

In order to store the latch assembly 170 to allow for folding of thetonneau cover 10, in the variation of FIG. 22, the latch handle assembly174 may be rotated to position the hook 188 about the return end of thebelt 176 and roller 178 adjacent to the side frame member 34. The handlebody 190 may be then adjusted along the adjustment strap 182 and thedial 192 tightened to fix the hook 188 about the roller 178 and securethe latch assembly 170 in a stowed position allowing folding of thetonneau cover 10. In the variation of FIG. 23, the belt 196 may be movedsuch that the pivot connection of the latch handle assembly 48 with thebelt 196 is near the roller 178 and return end of the belt 196 adjacentto the side frame member 34. The screwdriver-like handle 50 and clampjaw 51 may then be rotated into a position where they are generallybetween the upper and lower runs 206, 207 of the belt 196. In thisposition, the tonneau cover 10 may be folded without interference fromthe latch assembly 170.

Rail Attachment

Referring now to FIGS. 27-31, a rail attachment for the bed rail 24 of atruck 14 is seen therein and generally designated at 220. The railattachment 220 provides an anchor point for various accessories thatperson might desire to incorporate into the bed 12 of their truck 14.Such accessories might include, without limitation, a striker for thelatch assembly of a tonneau cover, such as the tonneau cover 10 seen inFIG. 1, a cargo or tailgate net, a tool pouch, a grocery bag hook, a tiedown loop, etc.

As seen in FIG. 27, the rail attachment 220 mounts to the bed rail 24 ofone of the sidewalls 18 of the truck's bed 12, generally as close aspractical to the tailgate 22. The rail attachment 220 is configured toclamp both vertically and laterally to the flange 26 of the bed rail 24.In this regard, the rail attachment 220 includes a base plate 222 havingan upper lip 224 extending outward from a base wall 228 and configuredto engage the upper surface 226 of the bed rail 24. The side of the basewall 228 in contact with the flange 26 may be provide with a backing 230(e.g. foam or double sided tape) to inhibit damage or scratching of thebed rail 24 by the attachment rail 220.

A vertical clamp opening 232 is provided in the wall 228 of the baseplate 222 and a catch plate 234 is received over the opening 232. Thecatch plate 234 includes a flange forming a catch 236 that is orientedperpendicular to the flange 26 of the bed rail 24 and extends throughthe clamp opening 232. The catch plate 234 is also provided with twoadjustment slots 238, extending vertically and parallel to the plane ofthe flange 26 of the bed rail 24. The position of the slots 238 alignwith threaded bores 240 provided in the base plate 222 on opposite sidesof the clamp opening 232.

To mount the rail attachment 220 to the bed rail 24, the upper lip 224is rested on the upper surface of the bed rail 24 with the backing 230and the wall 228 pushed firmly against the flange 26. In this position,the lower edge of the flange 26 registers somewhere within the clampopening 232. The catch plate 234 is position over the clamp opening 232with the catch 236 beneath the lower edge of the flange 26, and threadedfasteners 242 are inserted through the slots 238 and into the bores 240.Next, the catch plate 234 is raised to clamp the flange 26 between thecatch 236 and the upper lip 224 and the fasteners 242 tightened tosecure the rail attachment 220 down onto the bed rail 24.

To secure the rail attachment 220 laterally to the flange 26 of the bedrail 24, a clamp plate 244 is positioned behind and overlapping thelower edge of the flange. 26. The clamp plate 244 includes bores 246that align with clamp slots 248 provided in a reinforced portion orembossment 250 of the base plate 222. The embossment 250 is preferablylocated forward of and lower than the clamp opening 232 so as to beclear of the lower edge of the flange 26 of the bed rail 24. Beneath theembossment 250, the base plate 222 includes a returnly bent lower endforming a upturned lip 252 to receive and hold the clamp plate 244during positioning of the rail attachment 220. The clamp plate 244 maybe provided with correspondingly shaped downturned lip 254 to engage andsupport the clamp plate 244 on the base plate 222. With the flange 26located between the clamp plate 244 and the base plate 222, threadedfasteners (e.g bolts) 256 are inserted through the clamp slots 248 andbores 246 and engaged by nuts 258 on the opposing side of the clampplate 244. The clamp plate 244 may be additionally formed with flanges260 defining a slot to receive the nuts 258 and prevent their rotationto aid in engagement with the fasteners 256. Washers 262 may be providedbetween the fasteners 256 and the base plate 222. Tightening of thefasteners 256 accordingly will securely clamp the rail attachment 220laterally with the flange 26 of the bed rail 24.

Rearward of the clamp opening 232, toward the tailgate 22, the railattachment 220 is provided with a second embossment 264. The secondembossment 264 defines an attachment point for a bolt-on anchor point266 that may be used to secure a tonneau cover 10 to the bed 12 throughuse of slam latches. The anchor point 268 includes vertical slots 268that aligned with bores 270 defined in the embossment 264 so as to besecured with threaded fasteners 272 inserted there through and engagedby Pem nuts 274. A tapered shim 276 may be provided between the anchorpoint 266 and the embossment 264. The shim 276 allows for a catch 278extending laterally into the bed 12 from the anchor point to behorizontally aligned, while the slots 268 allow for the verticalpositioning of the catch 278. These positions may be adjusted so thatthe slam latch of the tonneau cover 10 is properly engaged with theanchor point and the tonneau cover 10 secured.

As seen in FIGS. 30A and 30B, the base plate 222 may be provided withdifferent lengths, long and short versions 280, 282, for use withdifferent trucks 14. In each instance, the anchor point 266 is locatedas close as practically possible to the end of the base plate 222adjacent to the tailgate 22.

As previously noted, rail attachment 220 can be configured to receiveand work with various accessories that might be desirable. The railattachment 220 may be provided with additional hooks, loops or aperturesto which the accessories can be secured. As seen in FIG. 31 a tailgatenet 284 is attached to a hook 286 extending from a lower edge of therail attachment. Additional loops 288 may be provided off of the sameedge, or elsewhere for engagement by a pouch 290, such as a tool pouch.

Although the invention has been described with reference to certainspecific embodiments incorporating the principles of the invention. Oneskilled in the art will readily appreciate that the invention issusceptible to modification, variation and change without departing fromthe true spirit and fair scope of the invention, as defined in theclaims that follow. The scope of the claims should therefore not belimited by the preferred embodiments, but should be given the broadestinterpretation consistent with the description as a whole. Theterminology used herein is therefore intended to be understood in thenature of words of description and not words of limitation.

We claim:
 1. A rail attachment for use with a bed of a pickup truck, thebed having opposing first and second side walls and also having a frontsidewall extending between the first and second sidewalls at one endthereof and a rear sidewall extending between the first and second bedat an opposed end thereof, upper portions of the first and second sidewalls defining bed rails of the bed, the rail attachment comprising: abase plate having an upper lip projecting laterally outward from a basewall of the base plate, the base wall including portions defining aclamp opening; a catch plate mounted to the base plate at leastpartially over the clamp opening, the catch plate including a catchextending through the clamp opening, a vertical clamping space definedbetween the upper lip and the catch and configured to receive a portionof the bed rail therein; a clamp plate mounted to the base plate, theclamp plate cooperating with the base wall to define a lateral clampingspace between clamp plate and the base wall and configured to receive aportion of the bed rail therein, the lateral clamping space beingoriented perpendicular to the vertical clamping space; and an anchorpoint mounted to the base plate, the anchor point including a catchextending from the base wall in a direction opposite from upper lip. 2.The rail attachment according to claim 1, wherein the catch isconfigured to engage a latch of a tonneau cover for mounting of thetonneau cover to the bed of the truck.
 3. The rail attachment accordingto claim 1, wherein the catch plate is adjustably mounted to the basewall on a first side thereof.
 4. The rail attachment according to claim3, wherein catch plate includes portions defining slots extendingthrough the catch plate.
 5. The rail attachment according to claim 4,further comprising threaded fasteners extending through the slots andengaging threaded bores defined in the base wall, the catch plate beingadjustable along a length of the slots.
 6. The rail attachment accordingto claim 3, wherein the clamp plate adjustably mounted to the base wallon a second side thereof.
 7. The rail attachment according to claim 1,wherein the clamp plate adjustably mounted to the base wall on a sidethereof.
 8. The rail attachment according to claim 7, wherein the basewall includes portions defining slots extending through the base wall,threaded fasteners extending through the slots in the base wall andthrough bores defined in clamp plate, the clamp plate being adjustablealong the slots in the base wall.
 9. The rail attachment according toclaim 8, wherein the slots are provided in an embossment formed in thebase wall.
 10. The rail attachment according to claim 1, wherein thebase wall includes an upturned lip extending from a lower portion of thebase wall and to a same side of the base wall as the upper lip, theupturned lip receiving a downturned lip provided on the clamp plate andsupporting the clamp plate therein.
 11. The rail attachment according toclaim 1, wherein the anchor point is adjustably mounted to the base wallon a first side thereof.
 12. The rail attachment according to claim 11,wherein the anchor point includes portions defining slots extendingthrough the anchor point, threaded fasteners extending through the slotsin the anchor point and through bores defined in base wall, the anchorpoint being adjustable along the slots.
 13. The rail attachmentaccording to claim 12, further comprising a tapered shim providedbetween the anchor point and the base wall, the anchor point beingadjustable through positioning of the shim.
 14. The rail attachmentaccording to claim 13, wherein the shim includes portions defining slotsextending through the shim, the threaded fasteners extending through theslots in the shim.
 15. The rail attachment according to claim 1, whereinthe catch plate is mounted at a first height relative to the base walland the clamp plate is mounted at a second height relative to the basewall, the first height being close to the upper lip than the secondheight.
 16. The rail attachment according to claim 1, wherein the catchplate is mounted at a first height relative to the base wall and theanchor point is mounted at a second height relative to the base wall,the second height being close to the upper lip than the first height.17. The rail attachment according to claim 1, wherein the catch plate ismounted at a first height relative to the base wall, the clamp plate ismounted at a second height relative to the base wall, and the anchorpoint is mounted at a third height relative to the base wall, the thirdheight being close to the upper lip than the first height and the firstheight being close to the upper lip than the second height.
 18. The railattachment according to claim 1, further comprising one of a hook orloop being provided on the base wall and configured for attachment of anaccessory thereto.